New Orleans Pelicans: An Interesting Point Guard Target In Free Agency

Kris Dunn will give the New Orleans Pelicans a steady mix of defense and playmaking with some scoring potential

Now that I’ve introduced Kris Dunn, let’s breakdown why I think he can be a valuable addition to the New Orleans Pelicans. It all starts with Dunn’s hustle and defense.

I’m sure I don’t need to do any explaining for NBA fans to know why Jim Boylen was such a bad coach in the NBA but Kris Dunn was thriving under him defensively. Boylen spent most of last season playing an aggressive ball-attacking defense that reminded me of the antics Rick Pitino attempted with the Celtics in the late-90s.

Boylen’s system was forcing his guards to press opposing ball-handlers to force turnovers and rack up steals. Dunn was playing well in that system with his 6’9″ wingspan, averaging 2 steals a game.

What this proves is that Kris Dunn is a force on the defensive end of the floor, he brings some hustle to a Pelicans roster. This is a trait we’ve identified as something the New Orleans Pelicans need to add this offseason.

Advanced metrics love Kris Dunn’s defense too, earning 6.3 defensive-win shares over his career so far. To put that in perspective, Kris Dunn’s defensive-win shares so far in his career are equal to a young Rajon Rondo who’s considered one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.

Rondo is a good comparison for Dunn actually if you look at his offensive game too. Kris Dunn is a facilitator, a traditional point guard. In his two seasons starting he averaged 6 assists per game.

The rest of his offensive game is still rough and while many believe he’s stalled out on that end of the floor I think the Pelicans can shape his game further. His 3 point shot is rough but two seasons ago he shot 36 percent from deep which is a sign that the Pelicans can work some of the same magic they used on Lonzo Ball.

Kris Dunn needs to be more aggressive driving to the basket, but with the other talented players on the New Orleans Pelicans, he could get some easy looks driving to the basket off screens.

All together I see Dunn as an interesting fit for the New Orleans Pelicans because he’s a strong two-way player who will fit the New Orleans Pelicans uptempo playstyle. His length and size as a bigger point guard fall in line with the athletic roster New Orleans are building.

Dunn’s limitations on offense combined with Chicago’s reset at his position means that he’ll be cheap. Even though he is a Restricted-Free Agent, reports are suggesting it’s unlikely Chicago tenders, Dunn. If this is the case, I wouldn’t mind seeing the New Orleans Pelicans throw Kris Dunn a contract and try to work polish him off.